Rhode Island Dog Bite Laws
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50% of dog bites happen inside the home in the U.S. Still, dog bites can occur anywhere, often without warning. This is why, when suing a liable dog owner, one must be aware of Rhode Island’s dog bite laws and why the exact location of the incident is relevant.
It is also important to determine the potential damages a person may be entitled to if someone else's dog causes a bite injury. According to research conducted by the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, the average dog bite insurance claim in the state is $43,567.80.
On this page, you can find an outline of Rhode Island dog bite laws, along with information on the responsibilities of dog owners, the standards for determining liability in dog bite cases, and the criminal and civil punishments for dog bite incidents. It also specifies how to report a dog bite incident and what to do next after being bitten by a dog.
Dog Owner Responsibilities in Rhode Island
Leash Law
There is no statewide leash law in Rhode Island. Rather, its cities and municipalities have the authority to create their own leash policies. Some examples of these regulations are as follows:
In Providence, dogs are required to be leashed in all public spaces, including sidewalks, streets, and parks.
In Warwick, dog owners must keep their animals on a leash when outside of their property. Dogs are also not allowed on city sports fields, school property, and some beaches.
Vicious Dogs
Rhode Island has extremely strict laws regarding dogs that the authorities have determined to be vicious or dangerous. These include licensing guidelines and safety precautions when in public, such as mandatory muzzling. It is important for owners of vicious dogs to understand these rules and take the necessary steps to avoid penalties.
License Requirements
Every dog owner is required to apply for a license each year, such as in Providence, via an accredited organization where they currently reside. Individuals who purchase or adopt a dog must obtain their pet's license within 30 days of becoming its owner or keeper.
Rabies Vaccination
Rhode Island laws mandate that dog owners vaccinate their pets to prevent the spread of rabies in the state. Only a licensed veterinarian, or their assistants under close supervision, may administer the rabies vaccine to animals. No town or city is allowed to license or register a pet that has not received a rabies vaccination.
Breed-Specific Legislation
Rhode Island forbids counties and cities from implementing breed-specific ordinances. This indicates that no local jurisdiction may pass any legislation that would further restrict or control a particular dog breed.
Liability Standards in Rhode Island Dog Bite Cases
Dog Bites Inside the Pet’s Enclosed Area
Victims are not entitled to damages under Rhode Island dog bite laws if the incident occurs inside the pet’s enclosed area. An enclosed area is defined as a space with a fence or other physical barrier that reasonably notifies others that it is private.
Moreover, Rhode Island adheres to the one-bite rule for dog bites in enclosed spaces. According to this law, a victim cannot sue the owner of the dog that bit them if the owner was unaware of their pet's aggressive tendencies before the incident. Hence, the injured party must demonstrate that the owner knew of their dog’s potential aggressive behavior in order to hold them accountable.
Dog Bites Outside the Pet’s Enclosed Area
In Rhode Island, dog bites that occur outside of the dog's enclosed area fall under the category of "strict liability." This implies that the defendant has accountability for any incident, regardless of whether they have taken measures to prevent it from happening.
Possible Defenses Against Dog Bite Claims
If a dog owner in Rhode Island can demonstrate that the victim was engaging in one of the following activities when the incident occurred, they will not be held liable for any harm their pet has caused to other people:
Provocation: This pertains to actions, like beating, dragging, stepping on, or confining the dog, that have the potential to drastically and instantly alter the animal's behavior.
Trespassing: It is considered trespassing when someone enters or stays on another's property without a valid reason or after being told not to do so.
Assumption of risk: People who normally assume the risk of getting hurt by a dog, such as veterinarians and pet caretakers, are not eligible to file a lawsuit for dog bite injuries.
Statute of Limitations in Rhode Island for Dog Bite Cases
The statute of limitations in Rhode Island states that dog bite victims may file a lawsuit three years after the date of the incident. If they do not file a claim within the allotted period, they will not be able to sue the dog owner. Victims in need of legal representation are advised to call a Rhode Island dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to have enough time t\o establish a strong case.
Civil Penalties for Dog Bites in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, if a dog escapes from its enclosure, the owner is responsible for covering all damages the dog causes to another person. Through a civil action, the victim can recoup both their incurred losses and legal fees.
Anyone who has been bitten by a dog is required to file a complaint under oath with any district court judge. The defendant will be ordered to pay court costs if it is proven that their dog assaulted the plaintiff.
The district court judge also has the authority to order the dog's confinement or death. The dog’s keeper or owner will receive a written notice instructing them to either incarcerate or kill the dog. Should they fail to follow the instructions given, they will be subjected to a fine amounting to $25 up to $100.
Criminal Penalties for Dog Bites in Rhode Island
Owners of vicious dogs in Rhode Island may face the following fines if their pet attacks another person or animal:
A $550 fine if their pet harms, kills, or assists in harming another animal. The dog owner or keeper is subject to a $1,000 fine for each successive infraction.
A $1,000 fine if their pet bites, injures, or murders a person. The dog owner or keeper is subject to a $1,000 fine for each successive infraction. If a dog kills someone, it will be put to sleep in a humane manner.
Reporting and Handling Dog Bite Incidents
Seeking medical attention is the most crucial thing to do if you are bitten or attacked by a dog. Call an ambulance or get in touch with your primary care physician right away in order to get treatment for your injuries and to get them documented.
Once you have received the necessary medical attention, you can take the following steps to strengthen your claim against the dog owner:
Make contact with the local law enforcement or animal control organization and ask them to investigate the incident.
Take pictures of the incident scene.
Collect the owner's phone number, insurance information, and documentation of the dog's rabies vaccination.
Gather the names and contact details of eyewitnesses.
Consult a personal injury attorney who focuses on dog bite cases to see if your case is strong enough to pursue a claim.
How To Find a Dog Bite Attorney in Rhode Island
Search engines are helpful in finding a Rhode Island dog bite attorney since they can direct you to law firm and lawyer websites. You will need an attorney who is authorized to practice law in the place where you live or where the incident happened. It is also crucial to find one who has handled cases comparable to yours and has an excellent track record of getting their clients the highest settlement possible. In addition, you might want to check testimonials from previous clients to find out if they had a good experience with the lawyer you are considering.
Other Resources for Dog Bite Victims in Rhode Island
Providence Animal Control Division
The Providence Animal Control Division is responsible for protecting the health and security of locals and their pets. It investigates bites or attacks by wild and domesticated animals, keeps track of lost and found cats and dogs, and licenses dogs. The division also picks up stray and unlicensed animals, controls uncontrolled domestic animals, rescues sick or injured animals, and implements state and local animal laws.
Contact Information
Phone Number: 401-243-6040
Fax: 401-467-9746
Address: 200 Terminal Road, Providence, RI 02905
Portsmouth Police Department
The Portsmouth Police Department's Animal Control Officer is in charge of enforcing all state and town ordinances pertaining to domesticated animals in Portsmouth. Every spring, it collaborates with the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association to provide an affordable rabies clinic. Additionally, it partners with the Middletown-based Potter League for Animals Shelter to provide local licensing and shelter for abandoned domesticated animals.
Contact Information
Phone Number: 401-643-0136
Fax: 401-683-2020
Address: 2270 E. Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871
National Animal Care & Control Association
The National Animal Care & Control Association was founded in 1978. It supports animal care nationwide and offers materials for dog training. Additionally, it provides a variety of services to communities, which involve upholding laws and ordinances, safeguarding the health and safety of people, rescuing pets in danger, assisting lost pets in finding their way home, and preventing the underlying causes of animal abuse or neglect.
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